Have you ever had an affair?

I’ve just finished a book about creativity called Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert *, and there’s one concept in particular that I liked a lot. She talks about treating creativity like an affair – sneaking off, getting glammed up, seducing inspiration and making out intensively with your creative self, even if it’s just for fifteen minutes in a dirty stairwell.

Often we dream about doing something daring and creative, but we let our fears postpone it indefinitely. If only we knew how magical the results would be, we’d tear our hair out for waiting so long.

Several months ago I met a girl and when I told her what I do, I could see a little twinkle in her eye that suggested she was curious about having photos taken. It took a long time before she took the leap.

I assured her that I don’t require her to pose or smile on cue. It’s enough to show up and the rest is pretty much my job. I didn’t pressure her to book a date. I actually thought she’d changed her mind. And then one day, I got a message asking about the possibility to book the session for real.

What happened then? She unleashed the cat qualities I knew she had. I turned on my charm and let the magic begin. At the end she realized there are so many great pictures that deciding which ones to pick would be the hardest part of this whole thing.

This story isn’t that unique. Perhaps you’re waiting for that special moment in time when you’ll be ready. Why not try having such a wonderful affair with your creativity now? What’s the worst that could happen?

So tell me, what’s holding you back from getting the photos you have dreamed about?